U.S. Passport

A passport is an essential document for anyone traveling outside of the United States. It is issued by the U.S. State Department and must be obtained before traveling overseas. A passport is generally valid for ten years, although it can be renewed for a shorter period of time if necessary. The process of obtaining a passport can take several weeks, so it is important to plan ahead. First-time applicants will need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization papers. They will also need to submit two passport photos and a completed application form. In addition, there is a fee for obtaining a passport. Once the application is complete, it will be mailed to the address provided on the form. The passport will arrive in four to six weeks and can then be used for travel.